DHL introduces U.K.’s first scheduled helicopter service

Carrier will guarantee next-day document delivery to London’s financial district from New York, Boston and Chicago.    DHL introduced its express helicopter delivery service in London, the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. The announcement follows similar helicopter delivery services already in operation in New York and Los Angeles.
   With a daily connection from DHL’s Heathrow hub to the financial district of London, the new service will guarantee next-day delivery of urgent documents from New York, Boston and Chicago.
   According to a statement from DHL, by avoiding automobile traffic, the helicopter will reduce delivery times into London and Canary Wharf by as much as one hour. Final mile deliveries will be provided by DHL Express couriers.
   “This new service from DHL Express offers even greater speed and reliability to our customers,” said John Person, CEO of DHL Express Europe. “For the financial and professional services sector in particular, time really is money, so we are always looking for innovative, more efficient ways to move our customers’ shipments.”
   The new service will utilize a Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter, operated for DHL by Heli-Charter Ltd and with a transport capacity over 300 kg (661 pounds) of letters and packages.